There's No Quick Fix To Keep Iguanas Away

June 12, 2006|Debra R. Gibbs

THE PROBLEM

Many readers have contacted the South Florida Sun-Sentinel to report problems with growing iguana populations in their neighborhoods. Rose Ferrante said her yard in Boca Raton is home to about 10 iguanas, young ones as well as adults. She called the county, but could not get any help in removing them from her property.

THE BACK STORY

As a non-native species, iguanas are not protected by state or federal laws, except the Florida regulation that prohibits cruelty to animals, so no local agency will help remove them. Ferrante doesn't mind the iguanas as much as some residents do, but laments the critters "eat everything." Ferrante thinks the proliferation of iguanas is an "overwhelming" problem and wishes local government would ban the sale of the reptiles as pets.

Palm Beach County Commissioner Mary McCarty has proposed a ban on pet-shop sales of iguanas and pythons and has asked the county's animal control officials to come up with a plan and recommendations for commission consideration.

WHO CAN FIX THIS

Currently, there is no quick government fix. But the University of Florida offers a fact sheet that includes suggestions on how to deal with the critters at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN528. Experts also suggest using a product called Garlic Gard on plants to repel iguanas and adding one teaspoon of filtered cayenne pepper hot sauce for extra potency.

CONTACT US

Is there something in your neighborhood that's not getting fixed? Tell us where the problem is and how long it's been there.

E-mail: sun-sentinelwatch@sun-sentinel.com

Call: 561-228-5561

Write:

Sun-SentinelWatch

P.O. Box 810037

Boca Raton, FL 33431

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ONLINE

Go to www.sun-sentinel.com/helpteam to track action, and inaction, on other Sun-Sentinel Watch reports.